From: dcarpio at mail1.sas.upenn.edu (David Carpio)
>I'm having a few problems with my PCR protocol, and I've heard that
>having *too many* dNTPs can inhibit the reaction. I was wondering what the
>reason for that would be.
>>Any thoughts?
>>Dave
dNTPs bind Magnesium stoiochiometrically. Taq polymerase needs free Mg++ as
a cofactor. Typically with 0.m8M dNTPs and 1.5 mM, there is 0.7mM free
Mg++. (actually a bit less as the DNA binds some too). If you were to
double the dNTPs, there would be no free Mg++.
Alexander Dobrovic, Ph. D.
Chief Scientist
Department of Haematology-Oncology
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia
Affiliate Senior Lecturer
Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide
Tel 61-8-8222 6884 Fax 61-8-8222 6046